Can't move MFT with UltimateDefrag in Vista

I'm trying to move the MFT during BootTime with Ultimate Defrag 4 in Vista. I can move it to an empty area in the middle of the disk, but when I try to relocate it within the data, it starts clearing free space for the MFT, it gets to 34% then quits with an error: CAN'T MOVE $MFT. I ran CHKDSK and it corrected some issues with the file system but it still doesn't work. I've used this program to move the MFT in XP and 7 and it always works flawlessly. Would anyone have any idea what might be causing this? I wrote customer sevice at DiskTrix but I'm using a demo version so I'm not sure they'll even reply. Thanks.

Just thinking out loud and don't know anything about UD, but is it capable of moving all system files? If not then perhaps its simply run into one. If so then maybe you could use PD trial to first move the system file. I suppose if you can figure out which file it's on when it quits that might help understand the issue.

I didn't realize it had been that long since an update. You're right, probably won't hear anything.

It should be able to move everything at boot time, and it does in XP and 7. I thought about trying a PD trial. It might be more trouble than it's worth to me though. My Vista machine's performance is just fine, I've just been playing around with UD to see what I could do with it.

Isso introduced that disk metaphor defrag some time ago and while he worked at that company i took the liberty to bring it onboard myself. Version 3 then 4 that is. He moved on to AX64 but i still held on to it. Funny that i've been experimenting with it again recently by using that unique (drag n drop) feature to move entire Clusters around to seek that sweet spot performance-wise. So far so good that it still works pretty good on my Windows 8 but there's no way i dare trust a Boot Time Defrag with it. I've had issues with other Defrag Apps in the past using such a feature and UltimateDefrag4 is no exception.

Although the website is still up, and they may still take orders for it, for all intensive purposes to me it is close to abandonware now but IMO it is an adequate & safe enough defragger that absolutely works well on my windows 8.

Well, after trying everything with no success I found a workaround. I moved all the data to the end of the drive, then placed the MFT where I wanted it and moved the data back. Luckily the drive isn't very full so it wasn't a major chore. I don't know if UD will work normally now or not. I'm scared to try it.

In UltimateDefrag4 i been trying to move (manually) via drag n drop feature clusters of files rarely used on my >50% occupied HD to the (physical) innermost portion of the Disk near the center spindle and if possible exclude those from any further defrag operations.

EASTER, that's the first I've heard of that drag n drop feature. Could be very useful.

To permanently archive, I usually just use Settings>Options>Archive and select files and folders there. After they're archived, when you run a defrag, select "Respect Archive" in the defrag options dialog. If nothing changes on the disk, which it shouldn't if you never or rarely use those files, it skips right over the archive process and the files stay on the center tracks.

EASTER, that's the first I've heard of that drag n drop feature. Could be very useful.

To permanently archive, I usually just use Settings>Options>Archive and select files and folders there. After they're archived, when you run a defrag, select "Respect Archive" in the defrag options dialog. If nothing changes on the disk, which it shouldn't if you never or rarely use those files, it skips right over the archive process and the files stay on the center tracks.

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Thanks. I get all that but after choosing those particular Files n Folders to permanently Archive, which Defrag do you choose to accomplish this? There's FRAGMENTED FILES ONLY-CONSOLIDATE-FOLDER FILENAME-RECENCY-AUTO. Which one?